Thanks to all the doctoral student representatives over the years, we have been able to face KI leadership with your concerns and wishes. Together we can change KI for the better, we can make them listen. That is why we are always looking for individuals to join us in representing the interests of doctoral students, whether that is at a departmental level or more centrally. Change will not happen without the choice of some of us to dedicate part of our time as Doctoral Student Representatives.
These are important positions for building a strong network of PhD representatives across KI, ensuring effective representation and feedback from all departments. Our goal this year is to establish a robust network of safety and department representatives to facilitate structured feedback at the departmental level. This is a great opportunity to get involved, contribute to workplace safety, and strengthen collaboration across departments.
Doctoral Student Representatives are given the opportunity to apply for funding that will allow them to extend their PhD by a short amount. This is KI’s and our way of thanking you for your contributions. Read more and apply at the link below. Each application is assessed individually by the DSA Board.
On November 5th, we will hold the DSA Annual General Meeting, which will be held hybrid at a TDB location and online via Zoom. All doctoral students at KI with a valid MF membership can attend the event, express their opinions, and vote for their favourite candidate for each position. Remember, voting is a right and a duty, especially if we want to make a difference in our community at KI. If you joining in person, please be at the entrance of the building 15 minutes before the session you are attending starts.
If you have missed the deadline to apply for a position, you can still nominate yourself on the day of the Annual General Meeting. Check our programme and positions below!
For any questions related to the DSA Elections or any of the positions advertised then reach out to us by sending an email to [email protected]
It is vital for us and all doctoral students that the positions
1) Manager of Doctoral Welfare and Health workgroup (Group 4),
2) Manager of Public Relations Workgroup (Group 4), and
3) Chief Student and Doctoral Safety Representative (HSSO) (Group 1)
are filled in as soon as possible. So, PLEASE, spread the word and consider applying yourself.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 2ND OF NOVEMBER
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Time
|
Session
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|---|---|
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17:00-17.10
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Welcome and introductions to the process
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|
17:10-18:00
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Election of the DSA Board positions (Group 4)
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|
18:00-18:30
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Break
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|
18:30-19:30
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Election of Central KI Representatives (Group 2)
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|
19:30-20:00
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Break
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20:00-21:00
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Election of Department & Safety Representatives (Group 1) and Doctoral Programme & Research School Representatives (Group 3)
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Doctoral Student Representatives can be split into several groups, depending on where they operate, the workload, the language requirements, and the commitment associated with the position.
These doctoral student representatives operate at a departmental level. They are in charge of portraying the concerns and wishes of the doctoral students of their department towards the leadership of the department.
Student representation at KI’s central level is vital to make sure that the voice of doctoral students is heard at KI’s highest decision-making bodies. These are bodies that shape KI’s vision, strategy, investments, recruitment, and work environment. Many of these positions require good understanding of Swedish.
These doctoral student representatives contribute to organising, planning, developing, and evaluating courses, seminars, and other activities.
The main function of the Doctoral Students’ Association (Doktorandsektionen; DSA) is twofold; 1) to represent the interests and concerns of doctoral students to the university administration and other relevant bodies, and 2) to build a sense of community. DSA is responsible for electing and coordinating all Doctoral Student Representatives. It is independent of KI and run by doctoral students for doctoral students.
aka Representatives for research education/Representanter för forskarutbildningsfrågor (if anyone asks)
Departmental Doctoral Student Representatives can have a wide variety of responsibilities, depending on the department’s needs and culture. Generally, the duties include improving education and the work environment for students in your department. Specifically, you will be asked to participate in the admission seminars, establishment of new doctoral positions, and have close contact with the study director. In some departments, you might be invited to discussions regarding green light applications for PIs. Some Departmental Doctoral Student Representatives also choose to organise social events to improve the communication between all students of the department.
|
Department
|
No. of positions
|
Language requirements
|
Position description/time commitment
|
Additional information
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LIME
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3
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Swedish
|
Attend the Doctoral Education Committee (FUN) meetings, held 3 times per semester, usually lasting 3 hours. Additional meetings may be called to address specific doctoral education matters.
|
-
|
|
IMM
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2
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Swedish or English
|
Not specified.
|
Ideally, one representative from epidemiology and one from toxicology to ensure both areas are represented.
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|
Dentmed
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2
|
Swedish
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Attend 3 meetings per semester, each lasting 1 hour.
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-
|
|
KBH
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4
|
Not specified.
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Attend 6 meetings per semester, each lasting 2 hours, plus preparation time.
|
-
|
|
MMK
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1
|
Swedish and English
|
Review individual study plans (ISPs) and participate in ISP seminars.
|
-
|
|
CNS
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1
|
English
|
Attend 4 meetings per year to review applications for establishing doctoral positions and provide input.
|
-
|
|
MBB
|
1-2
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English
|
Attend approximately 5–6 meetings per semester for recruitment interviews and ISP seminars. Participate in management group meetings when the Director of Doctoral Studies is present, approximately 2–3 times per semester.
|
Good English proficiency is required. Two current representatives participate voluntarily and have not been formally appointed, as MBB has not received any nominations. One representative will soon complete their studies, so MBB needs 1–2 new representatives.
|
|
MEB
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1
|
English
|
Approximately 4 hours per semester.
|
-
|
|
KI DS
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2
|
Swedish or English
|
Attend meetings of the Doctoral Education Committee (FUN).
|
-
|
|
Neuro
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2
|
Swedish or English
|
Not specified.
|
-
|
|
NVS
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1
|
Swedish or English
|
Approximately 7 meetings per semester, including establishment meetings and doctoral education committee meetings. Additional meetings with doctoral representatives, doctoral education administrators and Directors of Doctoral Studies are held approximately 3 times per semester.
|
A departmental student representative is a doctoral student representative. Meetings include establishment meetings, doctoral education committee meetings and first-year meetings.
|
|
Onk-Pat
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2
|
English
|
Attend approximately 3 introductory meetings per semester and communicate with the Director of Doctoral Studies as needed.
|
-
|
|
Clintect
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2
|
Swedish
|
Attend 4 meetings per semester.
|
-
|
|
MedH
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1
|
Swedish
|
Attend monthly Doctoral Education Committee meetings from August to June. Review and assess applications for establishing doctoral positions and individual study plans. Propose actions and prepare decision-making documentation for the Director of Doctoral Studies and Head of Department.
|
-
|
|
GPH
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2
|
English
|
Attend 6 meetings per academic year, each lasting approximately 3–4 hours.
|
-
|
|
MTC
|
2
|
English
|
Not specified.
|
-
|
|
CMB
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2
|
English
|
A few hours per semester.
|
-
|
|
LabMed
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2
|
Swedish or English
|
Not specified.
|
-
|
|
MedS
|
1
|
English
|
Participate as needed.
|
-
|
|
KISöS
|
2
|
Swedish
|
Attend 1 meeting per year with the Admissions Committee and 2–3 Research School steering group meetings per semester.
|
Collaboration also takes place through the Department Council and ongoing contact with the Director of Doctoral Studies. A clinical doctoral student is preferred to ensure the representative reflects the clinical activities.
|
|
FyFa
|
2
|
English
|
Participate in the ISP Committee, Department Council and FyFa Doctoral Student Council.
|
-
|
1 position available/department
Student and Doctoral Safety Representatives (or SSOs in short) are the first contact for students of your department who experience issues with their work environment. As an SSO, you will be invited to sit on the work environment group of your department. While the additional workload associated with Safety is usually negligible, you will receive special training through KI to give you the necessary skill set in the field of managing safety issues.
SSOs are also involved in cases of harassment and discrimination against doctoral students at the department. It is a very important position to ensure no supervisor or colleague abuses their position. We have created a guide on how to report harassment and discrimination. SSOs form a network known as the “Safety Network”, which meets irregularly and discusses cases.
1 position available
The Chief student safety representative (HSSO) coordinates the activities of the student safety representatives and cover the departments which lack a student safety representative. To help the HSSO, a deputy is also elected.
HSSO is a student representative in KI’s Safety Committee (Skyddskommitté). The Safety Committee is a consultative body and, according to the Work Environment Act (AML) participates in the planning and implementation of work environment activities.
For more information, visit their website: https://staff.ki.se/our-ki/safety-committee
1 position available
A central person with previous experience in MF/DSA who can support students and SSOs in their cases/if they have questions. This representative should attend the Safety Network meetings and provide help if students reach out to them.
They are representing DSA at the Safety Network. If there are bigger issues that need the involvement of the DSA Board and other representatives then the Safety Contact Person can bring them up at the DSA Board Meetings.
Participating in meetings with leadership figures at KI can be quite daunting at first. It is vital to get the input of other Doctoral Student Representatives on the activities of your committee to ensure that the interests of the student body are heard. Therefore, attendance to the DSA Board Meetings, which occur once per month, is mandatory for all Central KI Representative positions. During those meetings, topics from all over KI are brought up for discussion.
1 position available
Konsistoriet is the highest decision-making body of KI and is formed by members appointed directly by the Swedish Government, the KI president, the university director, and representatives of teachers, employees, and students. The board discusses issues on various topics, from KI’s overall vision and organisation, to employment, annual reporting, and important recommendations for all university sectors.
Meets five times per year, in addition to an annual retreat, planned as a one-day event. In-person meetings normally last five hours, including a shared lunch. Preparation and reading of meeting materials are required.
Language requirement: Swedish is the main language for all documents and discussions.
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/om-ki/konsistorium
1 position available
The Faculty Board is chaired by the KI president (rektor) and includes the three academic vice-presidents, the three campus deans, three faculty/teacher representatives, and three student representatives. The vice-president (prorektor) and the university director also join the meetings. The Faculty Board is the main management decision body of KI, which is responsible for all academic and scientific issues, budget, infrastructure, and resource allocation at KI.
As a student representative, you can comment on how certain decision may affect doctoral students and also express the needs of doctoral students at KI. For example, to increase investments in specific central KI support activities or delegate tasks to the committee for doctoral education. You can give input on the development of education and research at KI to influence the strategic agenda and decision-making.
Approximately five meetings per semester, each lasting around four hours. One annual retreat is also included. Preparation and reading of meeting materials are required.
Language requirement: Swedish is the main language for all documents and discussions.
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/about/the-faculty-board
1 position available
The committee for research (KF) decides and discusses topics related to the preparation, quality, and implementation of research and supports the Faculty Board. As a student representative, you can take part in decisions related to the quality and implementation of research at KI.
Usually meets once per month during the semester, with meetings lasting approximately four hours. A separate strategy meeting or retreat is normally held once or twice per year. Extensive documentation must be read before each meeting.
Language requirement: Swedish will be the main language for all documents and discussions.
You can read more about the position here: https://staff.ki.se/committee-for-research
3 positions available
The committee for doctoral education (KFU) makes decisions about doctoral education at KI, including funding, course quality, admission and dissertation procedures, and supervisor education. KFU sets the guidelines that will then be implemented by other committees and the departments, which in turn report back to KFU.
As a student representative, you have the opportunity to improve doctoral education in a fundamental and long-term way.
Usually meets once per month during the semester, with meetings lasting approximately four hours. A separate strategy meeting or retreat is normally held once or twice per year. Reading of extensive meeting materials is required.
Language requirement: Swedish will be the main language for all documents and part discussions. While you may reply in English, good Swedish reading skills and oral comprehension are required. Prior experience in working with strategic questions of higher education is highly beneficial.
You can read more about the position here: https://staff.ki.se/committee-for-doctoral-education
2 positions available
This committee decides on courses that are given on a doctoral level at KI, their budget, as well as the evaluation of the different doctoral programmes. It suggests which courses are compulsory in the PhD syllabus and makes strategic decisions on which kind of doctoral courses and programmes are needed at KI.
As a student representative, you will need to read, comment, and approve all the doctoral course syllabus throughout the year before the committee meetings. Three meetings per semester, each lasting three hours, plus 1–2 hours of preparation per meeting. Review approximately 100 course syllabi per year, mainly in September and March, requiring around 40–50 hours annually. Participation in additional working groups may be required.
The review work can be divided between two representatives. Both do not need to attend every meeting, although attendance at some meetings, such as strategy meetings, is encouraged. Preparation for meetings averages approximately nine hours per person per year.
Language requirement: English will be the main language for meetings and most of the documents. Some course syllabi will be in Swedish.
You can read more about the position here: https://medarbetare.ki.se/kurs-och-programkommitten
1 position available
The steering group for KID funding is responsible for proposing decisions on KID-funding announcements and grading criteria and evaluating and following up on previous KID-funding rounds. Meets 1–2 times per semester.
As a student representative, you can actively participate in the process.
Language requirement: Documentation will be in Swedish, but discussions will be held in English.
You can read more about the position here: https://staff.ki.se/steering-group-for-kid-funding
1 position available
The Network Medicine Alliance (NMA) is an initiative coordinated by Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) | Harvard Medical School. NMA’s long-term goals are to build strong interactions between national and NMA partners excellent in theory and methods development and to catalyze competence building in network medicine.
As a student representative at the KI NMA steering group, you will have the opportunity to help run the collaboration work internally at KI and help to realise NMA’s philosophy. Experience in network and systems medicine is an advantage.
Approximately five meetings per semester, with additional involvement in symposia or courses organised by the group.
Language requirement: English will be the main language for documents and meetings.
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/collaboration/the-network-medicine-alliance
The goal of the Internationalisation Board is to coordinate and prioritise investments in international collaborations/ internationalisation within the university.
As a student representative, you contribute to the discussion and give input on the different ongoing and future internationalisation projects from a student’s point of view. This is also a great opportunity to learn about KI international collaborations with universities and countries.
Language requirement: English is the main working language, though documentation can be in Swedish.
You can read more about the position here: https://staff.ki.se/our-ki/international-collaboration-and-internationalisation-for-staff/internationalisation-board
1 position available
The KI/SLL Research council is the body under the collaborative organisation between KI and Stockholm Region responsible for discussing actions to implement the research collaborations between the two institutions.
As a student representative, you can give important input from the student community on how to improve or change such collaboration and you can also benefit from networking with people from Stockholm Region and KI central bodies.
Four meetings per semester, each lasting two hours, plus one annual retreat. Preparation time is indicated as 30–60 minutes; the source does not specify whether this is per meeting.
Language requirement: Documents and discussions will be in Swedish.
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/collaboration/collaborative-organisation-ki-region-stockholm
The Council for Environment and Sustainable Development advises the President on KI’s environmental and sustainability work. As a student representative you can contribute valuable input from the student community on sustainability-related issues, suggest improvements, and engage in discussions that shape KI’s environmental policies.
You can read more about the position here: https://staff.ki.se/our-ki/kis-environmental-and-sustainability-management-system/council-for-environment-and-sustainable-development
1 position available
Cancer Research KI (CR KI) serves as an overarching umbrella organisation for cancer research at KI, conducted by more than 400 research groups at multiple campuses and departments. The overall goal is to generate new scientific discoveries that can be rapidly translated into clinical practice for the benefit of patients and society.
As a student representative you can choose which parts of CR KI you would like to contribute to, from administrative matters to organising the annual CR KI retreat.
8–9 meetings per year. Participate in meetings and discussions.
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/cancer-research-ki/about-cancer-research-ki
This position is always elected for two years. We are looking for a representative for 2027-2028.
1 position available
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH) is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Makerere University in Uganda. The aim is to develop capacity and mobilise actions towards achieving sustainable health, in accordance with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.
Two meetings per year, each lasting 1.5 hours. Read relevant materials beforehand, participate in discussions, provide feedback, and share information through KI platforms.
Language requirement: English
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/collaboration/international-collaboration/collaboration-networks/centre-of-excellence-for-sustainable-health
2 positions available
The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH) is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Makerere University in Uganda. The aim is to develop capacity and mobilise actions towards achieving sustainable health, in accordance with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.
Participate in KI’s internal working group and the working group involving colleagues in Uganda. Contribute according to availability, provide feedback, and potentially propose and lead initiatives.
Language requirement: English
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/collaboration/international-collaboration/collaboration-networks/centre-of-excellence-for-sustainable-health
1 position available
KI is part of The European University of Brain and Technology, a European university alliance cofunded by the European Union. Participate in the alliance’s activities and KI’s internal steering group meetings. The source text ends mid-sentence after referring to additional large meetings, so the full time commitment and responsibilities need confirmation.
Language requirement: English although some discussion and decision-making materials will be in Swedish
You can read more about the position here: https://ki.se/en/collaboration/international-collaboration/neurotecheu/neurotecheu-a-european-university
1 position available appointed by KI
KI and KTH are engaged in a joint PhD programme in medical technology through which doctoral students are admitted onto a combined programme at both universities leading to a joint degree.
This committee is a collaborative body with representatives from Karolinska Institutet and KTH. Meets 3–4 times per semester.
Language requirement: Swedish and English
You can read more about the position here: https://staff.ki.se/doctoral-education/international-and-national-collaborations-on-doctoral-level/joint-doctoral-education-programme-in-medical-technology-ki-kth
Doctoral programmes and Research schools organise and coordinate courses and learning activities specific to their research field. As a student representative, you will contribute to organising, planning, developing, and evaluating courses, seminars, and other activities. The steering groups usually meet 2-3 times/semester (although that might differ depending on the group).
The Course and Programme Committee (KPK) is the superordinate committee and coordinates/evaluates all steering groups.
If you think that there are improvements to be made to courses provided by KI in your specific research fields, the steering groups offer the perfect opportunity to get involved. Maybe you think there is a whole subject missing within the offered courses or potential to improve existing courses. This is your opportunity to change that!
Language requirement: English is the language of communication, some documents might be in Swedish.
Position description/time commitment: At least once per semester, but often around 2–3 meetings per semester, approximately 2–3 hours each.
You can read more about the positions here: https://staff.ki.se/doctoral-programmes
|
Doctoral programme
|
No. of positions
|
|---|---|
|
Doctoral programme in Allergy, immunology and inflammation (Aii)
|
3
|
|
Doctoral programme in Cell Biology and Genetics
|
3
|
|
Doctoral programme in Epidemiology
|
4
|
|
Doctoral Programme in Cardiovascular Research
|
2
|
|
Doctoral programme in Neuroscience
|
1
|
|
Doctoral Programme in Tumour Biology and Oncology (FoTO)
|
1
|
|
Doctoral Programme in Development and Regeneration (DevReg)
|
1-2
|
|
Global Public Health and Infection Science (GLOPHIS)
|
Not specified.
|
|
Doctoral Programme in Health Care Science (PUF-V)
|
Not specified.
|
2 positions available/Research School
Position description/time commitment: At least once per semester, but often around 2–3 meetings per semester, approximately 2–3 hours each.
Language requirement: Swedish is the language of communication, the positions are specific for clinical PhDs.
You can read more about the positions here: https://staff.ki.se/research-schools
The Board of the Doctoral Students’ Association (Doktorandsektionen; DSA) consists of ten KI doctoral students. It is the main decision-making body of DSA and is responsible for organising social and scientific events for the doctoral student community at KI, taking care of the doctoral education and welfare needs, and maintaining a dialogue with the KI doctoral education leadership. Moreover, the DSA Board is electing and coordinating the work of all Doctoral Student Representatives. This workload is divided among different workgroups that focus on specific aspects of PhD life at KI. The DSA Board has its own budget that can be used to organise activities and events for doctoral students at KI.
As a DSA Board Member, you have the possibility to meet and interact with many people, understand the internal organisation of KI and Medicinska Föreningen in-depth, and represent more than 2 000 doctoral students. Lastly, you also get the opportunity to greatly increase your scientific and personal network while also enhancing your soft skills and resumé.
The DSA Board Meetings are conducted in English, so no prior knowledge of Swedish is required. We always welcome people without previous experience to apply: the Board is often composed of experienced members and newcomers to guarantee a good working balance.
As the DSA Chairperson, you are the reference person for the KI doctoral student community. During the time period of your appointment, you will be in contact with KI leadership, the Presidium of the student union (Medicinska Föreningen; MF) and with other external associations and organisations.
You are responsible for coordinating the work of the DSA board, chairing the meetings, supporting the other Board Members, and supervising the working groups.
As the DSA Chairperson, you will have weekly or monthly meetings with the doctoral education committee and KI leadership during working hours, evening meetings for some of the student union’s committees, and handling a large volume of email correspondence. Although it sounds like a lot of work, the position has many benefits, allowing you to really get to know some of the most important people in Life Sciences in Stockholm and Sweden.
Language requirement: The tasks of this position can easily be accomplished without prior knowledge of Swedish; however, understanding Swedish can be useful.
This position requires the candidate to have previous experience of how the DSA Board functions and how the Doctoral Education is organised at KI. It is also suggested to have a spirit of initiative and the ability to relate and communicate with people in leading positions.
The DSA Vice-Chair works in collaboration with the DSA Chairperson to complete various DSA tasks. They attend many of the meetings together, while some are delegated amongst themselves. The Vice-Chair is responsible for ensuring smooth organisation and running of each of the DSA workgroups, and supporting the workgroup managers throughout the year. Additionally, this position requires the candidate to be flexible and willing to jump in and help out wherever a need arises. As such, there is no strict job description for the Vice-Chair, but the ability to work with a variety of different tasks and people is necessary. It is a fun and rewarding job, with the potential to become deeply involved in decisions made throughout all DSA workgroups, and several Central KI committees. Previous experience with the DSA board is helpful but not mandatory.
The DSA Secretary ensures the smooth running of DSA Board Meetings. Prior to meetings, the Secretary is responsible for scheduling the meeting, creating the agenda, properly announcing it, and keeping track of absentee members. During the meeting, the Secretary assists the DSA Chairperson, makes sure the agenda points stay within the allotted time, and most importantly, takes meeting notes. After the meeting, the Secretary collects signatures to verify the notes and archives them according to the protocol. If you are good at organising and want to learn more about the inner workings of DSA and KI, this is an excellent position for you.
The DSA Treasurer is the accountant of DSA and has the task of overviewing the expenses of the association. It is the DSA Treasurer’s job to manage the budget wisely and efficiently, keep the finances up to date, and make sure that everything gets paid on time.
There are no requirements in terms of language or previous experience in finance. It is a fun position to have as you keep in touch with all DSA workgroups to hear about their activity and budget plans, and as a reward, you gain insight into financial matters and organisation.
DSA is organised into six different workgroups, each managed by a DSA Board Member known as DSA Workgroup Manager. Most of the work conducted by DSA originates from these workgroups. This position is a managerial position, meaning that you are expected to delegate the work that needs to be done to workgroup members that you will recruit at the start of your mandate.
A lot of the work we do as DSA is achieved through our Workgroups. Joining one of them is an excellent way to develop soft skills like communication, leadership and project management. We are running a lot of projects simultaneously and are always in need of more people to help us around. Whether you want to help organise a yoga class or include more information on employment benefits in the PhD Information Booklet, your help will make a real difference in the lives of your fellow doctoral students.
Simply put, do you have time to help us out? Then apply!
The Doctoral Students’ Association is a section of Medicinska Föreningen
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